Lasker Clinical Research Scholar/Co-Director of Taste and Smell Center (NIH)

Dr. Joseph is a renowned scientist and clinician who has markedly impacted chemosensory (taste and smell) science, genomics, and precision health. She serves as a Lasker Clinical Scholar at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a Distinguished Scholar at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). She is Chief of the Sensory Science and Metabolism Section (SenSMet) at the Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research. A testament to her diverse skill set, Dr. Joseph’s educational background encompasses both nursing and the biological sciences. She received an AAS in Nursing at Hostos Community College, a BSN from the College of New Rochelle, a Master of Science with a specialty as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Pace University, and an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology. She completed her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and conducted her Ph.D. work at the Monell Chemical Senses Center (the only center in the world dedicated to training on taste & smell), where she focused on sensory biology and genomics. She then completed a Clinical and Translational Postdoctoral Fellowship at the NINR supported by the Office of Workforce Diversity. With over 100 publications, she is a recognized figure in sensory science research. Her work has been showcased in top-tier academic journals and captured the media’s attention such as TIME, NPR, New York Times. She is particularly interested in understanding how sensory function and dysfunction influence wellbeing and health outcomes, especially in populations that are disproportionately affected by health disparities. Her insights have been highlighted in various media outlets, reflecting her role as a leading voice in her field. Her research explores how taste and smell influence health & wellbeing, especially in those with chronic illnesses. Specifically, she investigates the neurological mechanisms of chemosensation and its relation to ingestive behaviors, especially in those with obesity and substance use disorders. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she examined the effects of the virus on taste and smell and co-founded the Global Consortium for Chemosensory Research. Dr. Joseph is a devoted advocate for diversity in science. She mentors and fosters inclusivity, especially for underrepresented individuals and women in science. She also leads initiatives such as the Amazing Grace Children’s Foundation in Ghana and the African Research Academy for Women. Honored with multiple awards from several global organizations such as the Friends of the National Institutes of Nursing Research, National Minority Quality Forum, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, the Johnson & Johnson- American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and The Rockefeller University Heilbrunn Nurse Scholar. She has been recognized with the Ajinomoto Award for Young Investigators in Gustation from the Association of Chemoreception Sciences. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine, Fellow of the Transcultural Nursing Society, and a member of the Royal Society of Medicine, United Kingdom. She is also the Inaugural American Academy of Nursing Fellow at the National Academy of Medicine in the United States of America. Dr. Joseph’s commitment to advance awareness, research and health of the Chemical Senses and her exceptional skill in integrating complex scientific concepts into clinical practice, public awareness and policy make her a valuable contributor to share insights on the intersection of sensory experiences (smell) and overall well-being.